Books About Non-traditional Families · 736 titles considered

The Best Non-traditional Families Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Family Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about non-traditional families? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Non-traditional Families

The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel

By Natasha Lowe · Poppy Pendle series

A young witch seeks the truth about her mysterious origins and discovers the true meaning of family.

304 pages· 50,334 words· Est. 7 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 479 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When a baby witch is found in a flowerpot, Nora's life changes forever. Named Mabel, the girl grows up with magical talents and a rebellious spirit. At Ruthersfield Academy, Mabel excels but faces trouble for her inventive potions. A shocking revelation about her origins sends her on a quest to uncover her true family. As Mabel, now Magnolia, searches for answers, she must decide if family is defined by blood or by those who love and care for her. Will she find her roots, or something even more profound?
Caterpillar Summer
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

By Gillian McDunn

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,596 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.
Three Pennies
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Three Pennies

By Melanie Crowder

A foster girl seeks her birth mother before losing her chance at a forever home.

208 pages· 25,848 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Marin, a foster child, clings to her I Ching and three pennies, hoping to find her birth mother and fix her life. As she settles into a promising new home, unexpected news threatens her dreams. Can Marin navigate the shifting ground beneath her feet and find where she truly belongs?
Because of Winn-Dixie
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2000

Because of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

A young girl navigates a new town and a new life with the help of a stray dog she adopts.

Newbery Honor (2001)
192 pages· 22,105 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 285,963 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Opal's life changes when she adopts a stray dog named Winn-Dixie. This scruffy companion helps her forge new friendships and gives her the courage to confront her father's silence about her absent mother. As the summer unfolds, Opal discovers that everything seems to happen because of Winn-Dixie. Will this unexpected friendship help her uncover the truths she's been seeking? Dive into a heartwarming tale of discovery and connection.
Far from the Tree
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Far from the Tree

By Robin Benway

Three teens, connected by blood, navigate adoption, family secrets, and belonging.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2017)
374 pages· 88,170 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 50,481 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Grace, adopted at birth, discovers she's a middle child after giving up her own baby. She seeks her biological siblings: Maya, a spirited sister questioning her place, and Joaquin, a guarded brother wary of family ties after years in foster care. As they confront their pasts, they must redefine what family truly means. Can they find connection amidst secrets and fears?
The Digging-est Dog
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1967

The Digging-est Dog

By Al Perkins, Eric Gurney (Illustrator) · I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Books series

A dog learns to dig and unearths unexpected chaos in town.

72 pages· 1,202 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 3,838 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: A curious dog embarks on a digging adventure, determined to master the art of excavation. But as he digs deeper, he unravels more than just dirt, turning the town upside down. Will he find what he's looking for, or will his newfound skill lead to unexpected chaos? Join this playful journey filled with colorful illustrations and simple words that make reading fun for young adventurers.
Maybe He Just Likes You
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

By Barbara Dee

A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.

304 pages· 46,516 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 8,613 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventh-grader Mila is confused when friendly gestures from classmates turn uncomfortable. As unwanted attention escalates, she questions what it means to be respected. Finding strength in karate, Mila learns to assert herself and discovers her voice. Can she navigate the complexities of middle school and stand up for what's right?
The Adventure Is Now
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Adventure Is Now

By Jess Redman

A boy must solve cryptic clues to save a threatened island.

336 pages
4.1 Goodreads · 487 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Milton P. Greene, struggling with family and school, is sent to Lone Island for the summer. There, he discovers a chance to become the explorer he's always dreamed of. But the island's future is in jeopardy, and only a mysterious field guide can save it. With new friends, Milton must unravel cryptic clues and embark on a thrilling adventure to protect the island. Can he rise to the challenge and find his true self along the way?
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

By Leslie Connor

Mason's friend vanished. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Schneider Family Book Award (2019)
352 pages· 66,043 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 9,636 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Mason Buttle struggles with learning disabilities and grief after his best friend Benny's mysterious death. As the investigation stalls, Mason and his new friend Calvin face relentless bullying. They find solace in a secret hideout, but when Calvin disappears, Mason is thrust into a desperate search for answers. Can he unravel the mystery of both disappearances and prove his innocence, or will his story go unheard?
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2020

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

By Kelly J. Baptist · Isaiah Dunn series

A boy finds strength in his late father's journal, discovering poetry and hidden powers.

208 pages· 41,637 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,499 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Isaiah Dunn faces the challenge of stepping into his late father's shoes, managing a silent mother and a curious sister. With his friend Sneaky's schemes and classmate Angel's ideas, Isaiah navigates life's hurdles. His father's journal, filled with tales of a superhero fueled by beans and rice, becomes his guide. Can Isaiah find the strength within these stories to become the hero his family needs? Discover the journey of a ten-year-old boy learning to harness his inner power and resilience in a world that demands he grow up too soon.
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Non-traditional Families Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about non-traditional families for the youngest readers and listeners.

You Are My Happy
Sale price
$999

You Are My Happy

Ages 0–4 · 2019

A bedtime tale of gratitude and joy shared between a mother bear and her cub.

A Mother for Choco
Sale price
$799

A Mother for Choco

Ages 2–5 · 1992

Choco seeks a mother, discovering family isn't about resemblance.

It Had to Be You
Sale price
$999

It Had to Be You

Ages 0–4 · 2021

A journey of love leads parents to their perfect little one.

Little Cub
Series
Sale price
$799

Little Cub

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Old Bear finds a scared Little Cub. Can they become a family?

One Family
Sale price
$899

One Family

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Explore the many forms of 'one' in a world of diverse families.

My Two Moms and Me
Sale price
$899

My Two Moms and Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Celebrate diverse families with two moms in a joyful day of love and laughter.

And Tango Makes Three
Sale price
$899

And Tango Makes Three

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Two penguins defy norms to start a family at the zoo.

Anne's Alphabet
Series
Sale price
$799

Anne's Alphabet

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Explore Anne's world through the alphabet with enchanting scenes and art.

Anne's Numbers
Series
Sale price
$899

Anne's Numbers

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Join Anne on a nature walk, counting trees and friends.

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Non-traditional Families Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about non-traditional families for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Great Dog
Sale price
$1799

Great Dog

Ages 3–7 · 2018

A pup imagines his future, inspired by his family's legendary dogs.

Train to Somewhere
Sale price
$999

Train to Somewhere

Ages 4–7 · 1996

A young girl travels on the Orphan Train in search of a new home and a chance to reunite with her mother

Two Bobbies
Sale price
$1899

Two Bobbies

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Two pets survive Hurricane Katrina, bound by an unbreakable bond. Can they find a new home together?

Zahra's Blessing
Sale price
$1799

Zahra's Blessing

Ages 4–9 · 2022

A girl's Ramadan wish leads to unexpected blessings at a shelter.

Finding Family
Sale price
$2099

Finding Family

Ages 5–10 · 2023

An orphaned duckling finds an unexpected family with loons.

Once I Ate a Pie
Sale price
$899

Once I Ate a Pie

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Dogs share their joyful tales and daily adventures through playful poems.

I Wished for You
Sale price
$1799

I Wished for You

Ages 2–5 · 2008

A little bear learns how love makes a family.

God Found Us You
Series
Sale price
$1499

God Found Us You

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A young fox learns the miraculous story of his adoption at bedtime.

Dear Stray
Sale price
$1899

Dear Stray

Ages 3–7 · 2023

A girl and a wild kitten learn to tame their fierce spirits together.

Together
#4 in Series
Sale price
$1599

Together

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Start vital conversations on love and family with young children.

Thursday
Sale price
$1799

Thursday

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A girl's world shifts after divorce, but a magical friend helps her find hope.

Josephine Baker
Series
Sale price
$1599

Josephine Baker

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A dancer defies segregation, captivates Paris, and becomes a spy.

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Non-traditional Families Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about non-traditional families for developing and independent readers.

Full Cicada Moon
Sale price
$999

Full Cicada Moon

Ages 8–12 · 2015

In 1969, Mimi battles prejudice and dreams of space in a new town.

The Storm
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

The Storm

Ages 6–10 · 2002

Two solitary souls find unexpected family by the sea's embrace.

Drum Roll, Please
Sale price
$1799

Drum Roll, Please

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A shy drummer faces friendship shifts, family changes, and unexpected love at summer camp.

Shouting at the Rain
Sale price
$1799

Shouting at the Rain

Ages 10–13 · 2019

Delsie faces life's storms, seeking family and friendship.

Blended
Sale price
$899

Blended

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Isabella navigates a divided family and racial identity, facing a life-altering encounter with police.

The Penderwicks
#1 in Series
Sale price
$899

The Penderwicks

Ages 8–12 · 2005

Four sisters' summer adventures clash with a snobbish mother's disapproval.

Moon Shadow
Sale price
$799

Moon Shadow

Ages 9–13 · 2018

A girl's shadow comes to life, revealing her true self.

Dear Mr. Henshaw
#1 in Series
Sale price
$799

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Ages 9–12 · 1983

A young boy writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, and learns about the writing process and himself.

View all non-traditional families chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about family problemsBooks about feelings and emotionsBooks about adoptionBooks about belongingBooks about bullyingBooks about conservationBooks about dogsBooks about family history